Disposable bib

ABSTRACT

A disposable bib, comprising a liquid-permeable top layer ( 18 ), an absorbent inner-core ( 20 ), a waterproof, air-permeable back layer ( 22 ). Each layer is configured to provide an apron ( 10 ), While the top and back layers continue to flow in continues format to provide a C shaped collar ( 12 ). An adhesive bond ( 24 ) is provided throughout the bib to adhere each layer, one to another, and configured within the apron ( 10 ) to provide a cross-stitch pattern equivalent to quilting, to aid in controlling the expansion of the absorbent inner-core. The bib is preferably constructed from bio-degradable materials.

[0001] This is a Continuation-In-Part of application Ser. No. 09/431,664, submitted Oct. 30, 19/99.

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to disposable bibs, specifically to baby bibs for the collection and retention of bodily fluids, liquid matter, the protection of clothing, & most importantly healthier, drier skin. This disposable bib is of novel construction and concepts.

[0003] A variety of bibs exist in the prior art, whose primary object is to provide a means for protecting the clothing of infants, and the aged from saliva running from their mouths (dribble). There are many United States patents which describe disposable bib construction. These include U.S. Pat. No. 3,654,629 to Crisman et al. (1972), U.S. Pat. No 4,733,411 to Foti (1988), U.S. Pat. No. 4,780,911 (1988), U.S. Pat. No. 4,787,099 (1988) both to Mack. Each of these patents contain one or more of the following disadvantages; an absorbent top layer which keeps moisture at the surface of the bib. Bibs that contain an absorbent material top layer which is thin, have very little absorbent qualities, allowing for quick saturation. In both instances, moisture is collected and retained in the top layer, resulting in damp skin around the neck and chin area, and possible irritation.

[0004] Other disadvantages to the prior art are, little if any absorbing properties within the bib to redirect moisture from the surface of the bib away from the top layer, and the individuals neck and chin area.

BACKGROUND—FIELD OF INVENTION CONT.

[0005] Further disadvantages to prior disposable bibs are the use of vinyl, plastic, or coated back layers. While these backings provide waterproofing, they lack air-permeability. This can result in dampness to the underside of the bib due to moisture build-up on the front side, and lack of ventilation on the back. This along with the saturation of the top layer can produce damp skin and clothing around the chest area and again, possible irritation.

[0006] In addition to the above disadvantages, these disposable bibs lack biodegradability, while convenient, they have a negative impact on the environment. It is my position, while previous inventors tried to solve the issue of sanitary use and convenience, little emphasis directed was towards the health of a babies skin. It is also evident that society, in the past, unaware of the long term effects of waste disposal on the environment, has now entered an age where we see the need for better disposal of our products.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present invention suggest a disposable bib, in which a liquid-permeable top layer is combined with a liquid absorbent inner-core comprised of hydro-gel, and a waterproof back layer, all made preferably with bio-degradable materials. When used in combination, exhibit softness, feel of touch and waterproofness, as well as high productivity. The bio-degradable disposable bib also provides air-permeability without reducing waterproofness. This novel concept for a disposable bib allows for sanitary usage, convenience of use and an environmentally safe product.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

[0008] It is therefore the primary object of the present invention, to provide an improved bib which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] (a) It is another object of the present invention, to provide a disposable bib with a liquid-permeable top layer. This will allow moisture to penetrate the surface and flow into the bib.

[0010] (b) It is another object of the present invention, to provide a disposable bib with an absorbent inner-core comprised of hydro-gel, which will draw moisture into the center of the bib. Drawing moisture away from the top layer, and babies neck and chin area, will keep the top layer of the bib and babies skin dryer.

[0011] (c) It is another object of the present invention, to provide a disposable bib whose absorbent inner-core allows for slower saturation of the bib, resulting in less frequent changes.

[0012] (d) It is another object of the present invention, to provide a disposable bib with a waterproof back layer which is also air-permeable, creating a cloth-like feel, similar to disposable diapers on the market today. The air-permeability will allow for ventilation, thus reducing moisture build up on the underside of the bib where it comes into contact with baby's chest. The result being, dryer skin and clothing within and around the chest area.

[0013] (e) It is another object of the present invention, to provide a disposable bib with a side snap closure, being secured at the shoulder to allow for easier maneuvering on and off the baby.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES CONT.

[0014] (i) It is another object of the present invention, to provide a disposable bib whose liquid permeable top layer, absorbent inner-core and waterproof, air-permeable back layer are constructed from bio-degradable materials. This provides an environmentally safe product which is also sanitary and convenient to use.

[0015] (g) It is another object of the present invention, to provide adhesive bonding within the bib to control expansion of the absorbent hydro-gel inner-core as it expands to contain fluids, and to secure the various layers, one to another.

[0016] (h) Furthermore, not only it is our attempt to protect the clothing of the user, but to specifically address the need for the retention of bodily fluid and liquid within the bib, as well as keeping the skin dryer.

[0017] Further objects and advantages, are to provide a bib which is not only healthier and easier to use, but also bio-degradable, providing an environmentally safe product. The proposed disposable bib is conceptually similar to disposable diapers on the market today. The disposable bib can be manufactured in coordination with disposable diapers, in size, color and printed design, to allow a consumer to purchase a disposable diaper and it's coordinating disposable bib. While it is my intent to specifically address the needs of babies, the utilization of this bib has a wider market base than my preferred focus, such as hospitals, dental facilities, nursing homes, eating establishments etc.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING FIGURES

[0018]FIG. 1 Shows a plan view of a disposable bib according to the present invention.

[0019]FIG. 2 Shows a frontal view detailing a means of attaching the disposable bib to the user.

[0020]FIG. 3 Shows a layered view, taken across the apron in FIG. 1

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS

[0021]10 apron

[0022]12 collar

[0023]14 round neck opening

[0024]16 a snap cap

[0025]16 b snap base

[0026]18 liquid-permeable top layer

[0027]20 absorbent hydro-gel inner-core

[0028]22 waterproof, air-permeable back layer

[0029]24 adhesive bond

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1, the illustrated embodiment of the bib includes a generally square shaped apron 10 suitably dimensioned to overlie a baby's chest, and a generally C-shaped collar 12 continuing from the apron and suitably dimensioned to surround a baby's neck. The collar 12 extends from a first side of the apron and terminates in a free end, adjacent to a second side of the apron at the shoulder. The apron 10 and collar 12 define a round neck opening 14. The bib can be manufactured in various sizes, extra-small, small, medium, large, and extra-large.

[0031] Referring still to FIG. 1, the overall shape of the bib is designed for comfort and functionality. The round neck opening 14 provides a comfortable fit. The collar 12 consisting of a liquid-permeable top layer 18 and a waterproof, air-permeable back layer 22 continue around the neck for attachment over a baby's shoulder. It is much more convenient to attach or detach the collar 12 over the shoulder than behind the neck, as is the case with conventional bibs. Thus in the event the baby falls asleep, this bib may be easily detached without disturbing the child. As in the use of this bib with those suffering infirmities, they need not be subjected to the discomfort often accompanied with the raising and lowering of the head, neck and shoulder area for the removal of the bib. A printed design can placed on the bib, which may denote a picture, slogan, or logo, etc . . . of a non-toxic color media. If manufacturing this bib as a coordinated set with disposable diapers, like designs may be printed on both the bib and diaper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT CONT.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, a small plastic snap provides a closure for securing the free end of the collar 12 to the second side of the apron 10 at the shoulder. The free end of the collar can be connected and disconnected to the apron 10 quickly and easily. Specifically, a snap cap 16 a is permanently attached to the free end of the collar 12. A snap base 16 b is permanently attached to the apron 10 at the shoulder, adjacent to the free side of the collar 12. The small plastic snap is attached during the manufacturing of the bib.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, the apron 10 has a three-ply construction, including a liquid-permeable top layer 18, an absorbent inner-core comprised of hydro-gel 20, and a waterproof, air-permeable back layer 22 held together in overlapping relationship by a non-toxic adhesive bond 24. The adhesive bonding connects all three layers around the outer boundaries of the apron 10, collar 12, and round neck opening 14.

[0034] The adhesive bond 24 (FIG. 1) throughout the apron 10 is achieved by spaced lines of non-toxic adhesive, running both horizontally and vertically, or otherwise, at suitable angles to each other, so as to form a cross-stitch pattern throughout the apron 10 equivalent to quilting. The adhesive bond 24 will also aid in controlling expansion of the absorbent inner-core 20 upon absorption and retention of fluids. The adhesive bond also adds to the integral strength of the bib, and reduces the likelihood of the bib tearing apart during normal usage. It is also our desire that the above materials be made with bio-degradable properties, similar to bio-degradable, disposable diapers on the market today.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT CONT.

[0035] The functionality of this bib is conceptually similar to disposable diapers currently on the market today. The bib is placed over the user's chest, while the collar is placed around the back of the neck and secured at the shoulder preferably with a small plastic snap. At the point when liquid is introduced to the bib, it flows through the liquid-permeable top layer 18 and into the absorbent inner-core 20, where it is retained, allowing the top layer to remain dryer. The water-proof, air permeable back layer 22 additionally insures that there will be no leakage through the bib onto the user's clothing. The cloth-like feel provides a healthy alternative by preventing moisture build up and perspiration on the underside of the bib (FIG. 3).

SUMMARY, RAMIFICATION AND SCOPE

[0036] As previously stated, my disposable bib is conceptually similar to disposable diapers in material and manufacture, thereby allowing for an economical product. New technology has provided us with thinner more absorbent diapers, and while not sacrificing waterproofness, the outer shell has become more suitable to touch in establishing air-permeability and cloth-likeness. It is my intent to produce a bib of these same properties and strengths, with the added benefit of bio-degradability.

[0037] Having illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of my invention which contains many specificity's, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof.

SUMMARY, RAMIFICATION AND SCOPE CONT.

[0038] It will be appreciated that other embodiments can be derived by changes in material, shape, size, types of closures, placement of closures, and other details by those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the subsequent claims. 

I claim:
 1. A disposable bib of biodegradable materials, comprising: a liquid permeable top layer; an inner core comprised of hydro-gel; an air permeable, water-proof back layer; said top layer, inner core, and back layer being configured to provide an apron, while said top layer and back layer continue to flow in a c-shaped format to provide a collar extending from one side of the apron, and terminating in a free end, adjacent to a second side of the apron, and being adapted for surrounding a baby's neck, when the apron generally overlies the baby's chest; and means for securing the free end of said collar in overlapping relationship to the second side of the apron at a location equivalent to a baby's shoulder, after said collar has been placed around the back of a baby's neck; and means for securing said top layer, inner core, and back layer together in overlapping relationship, including a quantity of non-toxic adhesive along the outer boundaries of the apron, and the outer boundaries of the collar and round neck opening, while also providing a cross-stitch pattern through-out the apron portion of said bib.
 2. A disposable bib of biodegradable materials, according to claim 1 wherein the top layer is made of a liquid-permeable, non-toxic, flexible material.
 3. A disposable bib of biodegradable materials, according to claim 1 wherein the inner core is made of an absorbing, non-toxic hydro-gel.
 4. A disposable bib of bio-degradable materials, according to claim 1 wherein the back layer is made of a water-proof, air-permeable material allowing for a cloth-like feel, said material being non-toxic and flexible. 